Biggest weakness: Talent, Toughness or Experience?

[Nikolokolus]

With all of the talk about what it's going to take to balance the roster and put this team in a position to seriously contend in the years to come, it got me to thinking about where this team needs the biggest adjustment, or where the biggest chink in their armor is. I've gotten just as caught up as everyone else in calling for a new point guard who can get dribble penetration, I've even suggested signing Artest as a means of infusing some honest to god nastiness. But what do you think the biggest 'hole' is? Is it a combination of all these factors, is it none of the above? Explain

 

[Minstrel]

Talent. They're just not good enough right now. Some of that will be addressed by Aldridge, Oden, Batum, Rudy and Bayless getting better as they get older. That might get them to title contention by itself, but the team should always be proactive in trying to increase the talent when they can. Winning a championship is really difficult, and it takes an overwhelming talent level (though how you structure that talent is definitely a good discussion...a 12 deep roster of good players shouldn't be the goal).

I don't think toughness is a problem. Experience may have been a problem this season, as the team seemed shell-shocked a couple of times in the playoffs. I don't think it should be a real problem going forward.

 

[Peaceman]

We need less jump shooters and more players who can create their own shot and take it to the rim.

 

[barfo]

I'm gonna have to go with talent. We need someone who has been there, done that, and won on the big stage. Like Kris Allen. Our successful teams in the past could turn out a "Bust-a-Bucket" but I've never heard this group sing anything. I think we lost a lot when we fired Cheeks, he could teach anyone to sing.

barfo

 

[Minstrel]

I'm gonna have to go with talent. We need someone who has been there, done that, and won on the big stage. Like Kris Allen. Our successful teams in the past could turn out a "Bust-a-Bucket" but I've never heard this group sing anything. I think we lost a lot when we fired Cheeks, he could teach anyone to sing.

I think what you're saying is that the Trail Blazers need to do a show "Portland's Got Talent."

I concur.

 

[Ed O]

I think that the roster is very very talented. They just need experience.

Oden and Bayless and Batum, in particular, should have a steep curve in the next year or two in terms of production as they mature physically and get acclimated to the NBA. Roy and Aldridge and Rudy should all improve, as well, given their youth and inexperience.

With that being said, I'm almost always willing to give up some experience if it means acquiring more talent, and (unlike some here) I'd prefer at this stage to add another inexperienced but very talented piece rather than an experienced but significantly less talented player.

Ed O.

 

[Public Defender]

I agree with Ed. The Blazers made it to a Game 6 in the playoffs' first round based almost entirely on their talent. But they didn't have any idea what Game 1 was going to be like, nor did they realize what it meant to face elimination on the road. Now they know what both of those experiences are like.

Sure, the Blazers could use a tough enforcer-type, but Przybilla fits that bill pretty well - and the Blazers are bound to sign a free agent PF of some kind who'll likely add a dimension of that, as well.

Teams can always use more talent, but when it comes to young, talented players with room to improve, I'd stack the Blazers' young core (Aldridge, Batum, Bayless, Oden, possibly Outlaw, Rodriguez, and Roy) against any team in the NBA. What they need is seasoning.

 

[Blaze01]

Talent

If this playoffs has shown anything it is that to advance you need to be a team that has 3 players who can make plays\score consistently...except LeBron of course, who is other wordly at this point...

Maybe that talent is here...maybe it isn't...time will tell....

Roy was there all series...LA for 1/2 the games showed up...Rudy showed up for 1 game...everyone else was a no show....

This team needs another scorer to put next to Roy & LA...maybe that will be Rudy, maybe Oden in a few years...even if that proves true, IMO they should look to acquire another scorer while the window of opportunity is open (ie cap space)....

 

[Ed O]

If this playoffs has shown anything it is that to advance you need to be a team that has 3 players who can make plays\score consistently...except LeBron of course, who is other wordly at this point...

Really?

What third players have been at all consistent for either the Lakers or Nuggets? I would argue that neither were. Throw them in with the Cavs and that makes only the Magic getting consistent contributions from three guys.

Ed O.

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

I'm gonna have to go with talent. We need someone who has been there, done that, and won on the big stage. Like Kris Allen. Our successful teams in the past could turn out a "Bust-a-Bucket" but I've never heard this group sing anything. I think we lost a lot when we fired Cheeks, he could teach anyone to sing.

barfo

That sounds like the problem is experience, not talent.

Our roster is actually very talented. Our playing rotation is an average of 23 years old. Experience and maybe a vet to show them ropes is all we need and a backup four with a pair. Talent isn't a problem at all.

With the youngest rotation in the NBA and making it to the playoffs how can any of you say it's lack of talent?

 

[Minstrel]

With the youngest rotation in the NBA and making it to the playoffs how can any of you say it's lack of talent?

They need a center of the future. Przybilla is not much of an offensive presence and significantly older than the core of Roy/Aldridge.

 

[Blaze01]

Really?

What third players have been at all consistent for either the Lakers or Nuggets? I would argue that neither were. Throw them in with the Cavs and that makes only the Magic getting consistent contributions from three guys.

IMO...yes.

Billups & Anthony...and in the games they DID win they had another player step up...be it JR Smith, Kleiza or Martin

LA has Kobe, Gasol played well...as did Odom

ORL has Turkoglu, R.Lewis & D.Howard

HOU had Yao, Artest and Brooks (particularly in thier wins)

Did all 3 guys hit on all cylinders every game? No...but my point was POR NEVER had 3 guys hitting on all cylinders at the same time...and for 1/2 the games it was just Roy...and in even in POR 2 wins, 1 was just about all Roy and the other was Roy & LA...where was the 3rd contributor?

I think LA will get that consistency...and maybe Oden or Rudy will develop into that 3rd player....Outlaw is a lost cause IMO, cut ties with him...POR has the opportunity to go out and get a 3rd option player...I think a guy like Jamal Crawford coud be good for one example...whoever it is though, they need another go to player...

and CLE is the exception, as LeBron is SO talented that he is literally carrying CLE...and in the end it may not be enough....The Lakers get that with Kobe sometimes as well....Roy lifted POR to a win by himself in 1 game, he is good but not Lebron or Kobe good...not yet at least....

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

They need a center of the future. Przybilla is not much of an offensive presence and significantly older than the core of Roy/Aldridge.

We'd have to get that via trade because we are not getting that in this draft.

I would nominate Tiaggo Splitter or DeAndre Jordan.

From the scouting reports I've read, even though he's 6'11" 250 lbs, Freeland is strictly a PF. Otherwise, I would say we have that future guy in Freeland.

 

[Ed O]

IMO...yes.

Billups & Anthony...and in the games they DID win they had another player step up...be it JR Smith, Kleiza or Martin

LA has Kobe, Gasol played well...as did Odom

ORL has Turkoglu, R.Lewis & D.Howard

HOU had Yao, Artest and Brooks (particularly in thier wins)

Did all 3 guys hit on all cylinders every game? No...but my point was POR NEVER had 3 guys hitting on all cylinders at the same time...and for 1/2 the games it was just Roy...and in even in POR 2 wins, 1 was just about all Roy and the other was Roy & LA...where was the 3rd contributor?

I think that it's obvious that a team needs to GENERALLY have more than two players play well to win any game... that's no surprise. The point I thought you were making is that there's no consistent third player that's stepped up for Portland, but that other teams that have advanced have had that.

Teams that have advanced have NOT had that. Odom and all non-Kobe, non-Gasol players have been wildly inconsistent. Outside of Anthony and Billups no one consistently stepped up for the Nuggets. Cleveland's been lucky to have ANYONE step up other than LeBron.

Only Orlando has three players who've pretty consistently performing well, and they've occasionally had a fourth guy thrown into the mix, too.

Portland needs to get more from its guys than just Roy and Aldridge, for sure, but I don't know that it's clear that there needs to be a third guy who's on their level of consistency and productivity to mirror the success of this year's playoff advancers.

Ed O.

 

[Minstrel]

We'd have to get that via trade because we are not getting that in this draft.

Just goes to show, though, that talent is a serious problem. Portland has a pretty big hole at center long-term.

Freeland is more of a power forward and not even one who can be just assumed to have NBA success. If he becomes a reliable backup power forward, that will be a nice bonus. Portland badly needs a young NBA-caliber center for the next 5-10 years. Until they have one, they have to be considered lacking in talent.

 

[barfo]

Just goes to show, though, that talent is a serious problem. Portland has a pretty big hole at center long-term.

Freeland is more of a power forward and not even one who can be just assumed to have NBA success. If he becomes a reliable backup power forward, that will be a nice bonus. Portland badly needs a young NBA-caliber center for the next 5-10 years. Until they have one, they have to be considered lacking in talent.

Maybe that Oden kid will work out?

barfo

 

[Minstrel]

Maybe that Oden kid will work out?

Jamaal Magloire without the All-Star history.

 

[barfo]

Jamaal Magloire without the All-Star history.

Yeah, but he could one day be Magloire-lite, with the proper coaching. No shame in that.

But I'm hoping we can get the real Magloire back as a free agent.

barfo

 

[Minstrel]

But I'm hoping we can get the real Magloire back as a free agent.

Pritchard has never been able to land a free agent of that magnitude.

How many current/former All-Star free agents has he signed as Trail Blazers GM?

 

[barfo]

Pritchard has never been able to land a free agent of that magnitude.

How many current/former All-Star free agents has he signed as Trail Blazers GM?

Is John Nash working? Maybe KP could hire him on as a consultant for this purpose.

barfo

 

[Blaze01]

The point I thought you were making is that there's no consistent third player that's stepped up for Portland, but that other teams that have advanced have had that.

I don't think there was a 3rd player who stepped up for POR in ANY of thier playoff games...

Certainly a large part of what has made ORL so good is that Howard, Turkoglu & Lewis have played so consistently...and they have Jameer Nelson coming back from injury next year, who was playing very well before his injury...

DEN & HOU both had 2 players playing pretty well consistently, certainly in thier wins they found that 3rd player to step up (and had role players step up as well)...and I think that had a fair bit to do with why they won those games....

I agree, generally teams need a 3 player to consistently produce to WIN...and have other role players step up as well...I think POR problem right now is that they really only have one player (Roy, who showed up each night, Aldridge showed up for about 1/2 the games...but I think it is very reasonable to expect him to improve in that area (experience being a factor)....

I don't see that 3rd player yet on this team...I see a couple possibilities (Oden & Rudy mainly), but no sure thing...So that is why I think this team's weakness right now is talent...maybe it will develop from within, but POR is a unique position to add another "key" player to thier roster, and so IMO they should reach for that 3rd scoring option (or heck even 2nd) if they can get it...

 

[Mediocre Man]

I voted for talent, but it's probably more like D. (all of the above)

Portland needs to get tougher for sure. They need to stop settling for jump shots and attack the rim.

Portland certainly needs experience as well.

Talent though for me is the right answer. Portland has a star type player in Brandon Roy, and very good second fiddle in LaMarcus Aldridge, and then 8 or so guys who right now in their careers should be bench players for sifferent reasons. Everyone says how much depth we have, but in the NBA you win with your starters. Portland's starters are two starters, a rookie center coming off knee surgery ad unable to stay out of foul trouble, a journeyman PG who really should be a back up and a rookie who has promise, but shouldn't be a starter right now on a championship team.

 

[Sug]

I went with experience. The majority of our core guys need some more time to develop. Rudy, Batum, Bayless and Oden were all rookies this season so they will be better next year IMO. On top of that I feel that both Roy and LMA will be better next year as well. So now you just need a healthy Webster, a regular Outlaw, Joel, and Blake and you have a pretty nice team.

I have a feeling we are making a move though. Sergio & Frye are going to be gone in the draft, and we might even see Bayless & Outlaw included.

 

[The Sebastian Express]

Jamaal Magloire without the All-Star history.

For a bit I thought you were being serious and I was so confused.

 

[Mediocre Man]

Not to mention we have a sorry ass coach. Yet somehow we won 54 games. Weird.

No need for stupid juvenile comments. I didn't say anything about Mike Brown west in the post. But since you brought it up, our team won 54 games because of Roy, primarily, and Aldridge. For me, Mr Sonic gets a lot of credit for getting this team to fight, but it is a piss poor perimeter defensive team, and our high offensive EFF is simply because of offensive rebounding.


Now wait and see what Pritchard does. If we add a PG, SF or back up PF this off season he agrees with me about talant.

 

[oldmangrouch]

I think that it's obvious that a team needs to GENERALLY have more than two players play well to win any game... that's no surprise. The point I thought you were making is that there's no consistent third player that's stepped up for Portland, but that other teams that have advanced have had that.

Teams that have advanced have NOT had that. Odom and all non-Kobe, non-Gasol players have been wildly inconsistent. Outside of Anthony and Billups no one consistently stepped up for the Nuggets. Cleveland's been lucky to have ANYONE step up other than LeBron.

Only Orlando has three players who've pretty consistently performing well, and they've occasionally had a fourth guy thrown into the mix, too.

Portland needs to get more from its guys than just Roy and Aldridge, for sure, but I don't know that it's clear that there needs to be a third guy who's on their level of consistency and productivity to mirror the success of this year's playoff advancers.

Ed O.

I have to mildly disagree. Nene was a pretty darn consistent contributor for Denver.

 

[VanillaGorilla]

I have to mildly disagree. Nene was a pretty darn consistent contributor for Denver.

Nene seemed to get worse and worse as the palyoffs went on.. he is bad at defense and in that last game he couldn't do anything at all offensively against Bynum. He also missed a lot of close shots.

 

[Blaze01]

Yeah but Nene was far better in the playoffs for DEN than anyone in POR outside of Roy & LA was...

Shannon Brown sure looked like he needed some "playoff" experience...kind of like Outlaw...wait....not

 

[oldmangrouch]

BTW, not to be pedantic, but there is a difference between "talent" and "skill".

Some of the Blazers (EG Oden, Outlaw, Batum, Sergio, Bayless, and even Rudy) have yet to fully develop their talents. Some likely never will. Experience will contribute to that, and to mental toughness as well.

Some Blazers are a little shy on talent (EG Blake, Joel), but ironically, they have developed their skills to get the most out of them.

Bottom line, IMHO, is that pure talent is not the biggest concern.

 

[LameR]

No need for stupid juvenile comments. I didn't say anything about Mike Brown west in the post. But since you brought it up, our team won 54 games because of Roy, primarily, and Aldridge. For me, Mr Sonic gets a lot of credit for getting this team to fight, but it is a piss poor perimeter defensive team, and our high offensive EFF is simply because of offensive rebounding.


Now wait and see what Pritchard does. If we add a PG, SF or back up PF this off season he agrees with me about talant.

Isn't that a majority of the positions? "If we add any one of these 3 positions out of 5, he agrees with me." 60% chance of being right if any move is made isn't bad haha.